Professors are pounding you with homework, midterm paper due dates are drawing way to close for comfort, and you’re probably swamped with everything else in your life. It can get pretty stressful, especially with daydreams of spring break keep you from paying attention to important information in class. With all the work you have to do, it’s important to take a few breaks now and then, for sanity’s sake. Here are some ways that you can do that in a healthy and relaxing way.

1. Go for a walk and crank some music.

Sometimes just giving your brain a break is helpful. Trying to plow through can keep you from doing your best work. So go for a walk outside if it's nice, put some headphones in and jam out for a little bit.

2. Take a nap (we all know you don't get enough sleep).

Get some gosh darn sleep! Taking a 20-minute power nap can and will reenergize you. Lay down and set the alarm so you don't sleep for hours and then you can get right back to studying or writing that paper. Never underestimate the wonders of a nap, it's truly magical.

3. Exercise!

Not everyone likes to go for a 4-mile run, but even just going for a mile can be really good for your mental stability. It's been proven to relieve stress, and it's good for your body. Just grab a buddy and hit the gym!

4. Hang out with friends.

Sometimes you get caught up in all the papers you have to write that you forget to interact with other human beings. Go get coffee or let off some steam with some of your buds. Watch a movie, play some games, or even just talk to them, being around people you enjoy will always make your stress disappear.

5. Online shop, but don't buy anything.

Fill up that cart, look at the most expensive things, look at every single pair of shoes that a store has on their website. I don't know about you, but looking at a really cute pair of sneakers always puts me in a good mood. Then you can always get a good laugh when you look at your cart and look at the price. It's always fun to think about what it would be like to be rich. Maybe it'll give you the motivation to do your homework so you can get a job that allows you to buy all the things.

6. Reflect on your day/week.

Take a few minutes just to talk to yourself and reflect on your life. Allow yourself to worry for a few minutes, then give yourself a pep talk. Think about what you are grateful for and what you want to do within the next month or year. Sometimes just taking a minute to think can be beneficial. You never know, you might just figure a few things out along the way.

7. Do some laundry or clean your room.

A clean space to study in is very important. It's hard to get things done when your room is a mess, and everything that could possibly distract you is just lying right in front of you waiting for you to give in. And having clean clothes is always a plus. I've found folding laundry to be very relaxing. Not only are you giving yourself a break, but you're getting other important things done too!